Safety Tips

Going on Holiday

Going on holiday can be an amazing experience. However, coming back and finding your house has been burgled is never ideal. These are some useful tips to help keep your home and possessions secure while you are away:

Turn down the ring volume on your home phone

Mark valuables with your drivers licence number

Lock tools away and ensure items that can be used to break in are also locked away

Disconnect power to your garage door

Let your neighbours know you are going away

If you are going away for an extended period, consider redirecting your mail

Have a friend or relative check your home periodically

Put your inside lights on a timer

Ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure.

Home

Home-owners and occupiers can make some small changes to their property which can deter thieves.

Lights

Motion lighting is an effective way to deter potential offenders. These can be placed at the front, side and rear of your property and will detect any movement at night.

Cameras

CCTV is getting cheaper and it is now more achievable for homeowners to use quality cameras to capture footage of potential offenders. Cameras can also be useful at night to view the outside of your home if you think someone may be on your property.

Trees and Bushes

Consider trimming back tree branches and bushes to improve visibility from the road. This will increase the natural surveillance of your property.

Locks

Consider locking entry gates, sheds and meter boxes (to prevent the power to your home being turned off).

Clear House Number

Having your house number clearly marked on the curb (reflective numbers) can assist emergency services finding your home in case of an emergency.

Keys

Some people hide their spare house keys in the garden, however many offenders will search for them. Consider leaving them with a family member, or install digital door locks which only require a code, rather than a key.

Mail

Arrange for your mail to be held by Australia Post or collected by someone if you go away for an extended period of time.

Dogs

Having a dog is a useful method of deterrence and a dog barking decreases your risk of being burgled.

Parties

Make sure you secure entry points to your home, especially at the front of your home. Lock front door and install a doorbell for guests.

Security Screens

Consider installing security screens to doors and windows.

A residential burglary brochure is also available by calling the City of Bayswater Security on 1300 360 333.